Your Uncomplicated guide on How to Elope in Portland Maine
Planning your dream elopement in Portland, Maine? You’ve come to the right place! Let’s dive into this easy guide on how to make your special day unforgettable:
- Pick your unique location
- Secure your vendors
- Get your permit
- Get your marriage license
- Have the best wedding day ever!
- End the day with the best craft beer in town
Your Quick Guide on how to Elope in Portland Maine
Let’s talk about the endless opportunities for eloping in beautiful New England! Among the numerous choices, one destination stands out as a personal favorite: Portland, Maine. Portland is bursting with charm and offers something truly special for couples looking to elope. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to create the perfect elopement in Portland, Maine, and share some fantastic ideas to make your big day absolutely extraordinary!
Pick Your Unique Ceremony Location
The greater Portland area is bursting at the seams with incredible locations for your elopement! With its diverse landscapes and charming settings, there’s something to suit every couple’s style and vision. Here are just a few of the fantastic places in Portland where you can say “I do”:
- Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth
- Two Lights State Park in Cape Elizabeth
- Onboard a 100+ year old schooner with the Portland Schooner Co.
- Kettle Cove
- Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse
- The architecturally gorgeous Portland City Hall
- The Eastern Prom at Fish Point
- The Press Hotel Penthouse & Rooftop
Keep in mind that the time of year can make a big difference when planning your Portland, Maine elopement! If you’re looking to steer clear of icy winds and chilly snow, consider tying the knot between May and October. These months offer milder temperatures and beautiful weather, providing the perfect backdrop for your magical day!
Securing your vendors
Every couple is different, and that means every elopement day is one-of-a-kind! Choosing the right vendors who are genuinely excited to bring your vision to life is key. So, what kind of vendors do you need to make your dream elopement a reality? Well, it all depends on your vision and what you’re hoping for! Here’s a handy list of the most common types of vendors that my elopement couples love to hire for their special day:
- Elopement Photographer (that’s what I do!)
- Florist
- Hair and makeup
- Food & drink (think private chef’s, charcuterie boards, or renting out small rooms in restaurants for private celebration dinners)
- Stationer (elopement announcements & vow books)
- Officiant
- Dessert or cake baker
To ensure you have the perfect team of vendors for your Portland, Maine elopement, it’s essential to secure them early in the planning process. Availability can fill up quickly, especially for popular vendors who are in high demand. Consider planning your elopement for a midweek day to increase your chances of booking your dream vendors and locations. Trust me, exchanging vows on a Wednesday can turn into the most enchanting day of your life! Plus, opting for a midweek celebration means fewer crowds at popular ceremony spots and a better chance of securing the vendors you’ve been dreaming of!
Permits; Let’s Make Sure We’re Covered!
When planning your ceremony in certain locations, keep in mind that some may require special permits for events. It’s a good idea to visit the town’s website for details on any necessary permits. Below, you’ll find links to popular spots in the Portland area that may require permits for ceremonies. Take a look and explore your options!
Getting Your Marriage License
Getting your marriage license in Portland is a breeze, but it’s important to schedule an appointment in advance. If you or your partner are Maine residents, you’ll need to obtain the license from the town hall in the municipality where one of you resides. For out-of-state couples, you can acquire the license from any city hall in Maine. However, if you’re saying “I do” in Portland, it’s best to obtain your license from the city itself! Check out this link for more details on securing your marriage license for your Portland, Maine elopement: Portland Marriage License Info
Have the Best Day Ever!
Hooray, it’s finally here! You’ve done all the planning—picked the perfect date, secured amazing vendors, obtained permits, and got your marriage license sorted. Now it’s time to embrace the magic of your wedding day and savor every moment as you explore the beautiful Portland, Maine area. Time flies when you’re having fun, so be sure to take a moment to pause, relax, and soak in all the wonderful memories of your special day. Enjoy every fleeting moment to the fullest!
Grab Some of the Best Craft Beers in Town
Get ready to raise a toast to your love in Portland, Maine’s vibrant craft brewery scene! With more than 15 craft breweries scattered throughout this charming city, there’s no shortage of options to celebrate your special day. Picture this: strolling into one of these local breweries decked out in your wedding attire, ready to savor a refreshing pint to cap off your unforgettable day. Who knows, you might even be treated to a couple of celebratory pints by some friendly locals as a wedding day surprise! Here are a few of my top picks for local breweries to check out:
- Allagash Brewing (home of the famous Allagash White)
- Foundation Brewing Company
- Liquid Riot Bottling Company
- Lone Pine Brewing Company
- Austin Street Brewery
- Banded Brewing
- Mast Landing Brewing Company
- Bissell Brothers Brewing Co
- Rising Tide Brewing Company
Now you know how to elope in Portland Maine!
Thanks for diving into this quick guide on How to Elope in Portland, Maine! If you’re envisioning vibrant, joyful, and authentic elopement photography that truly captures the essence of your elopement day, then look no further. Head over to my Home Page HERE or check out my Elopement page HERE to get a glimpse of what I do and learn more about my style. As a local Maine elopement photographer, I’m passionate about documenting love stories in this beautiful city, and I’d be honored to capture your elopement day memories. Drop me a message via my Contact Page to say “Hi” and let’s bring your vision to life together!
Happy Adventuring!
Cheers,
Jenna
